Farmers urged to microchip their dogs

All dogs over the age of eight weeks must now be microchipped and registered on an authorised database in line with legislation designed to tackle irresponsible ownership.

Farmers are being reminded of this legal requirement as it applies equally to farm working dogs as it does to pet animals, and there are no exemptions for older dogs.

NFU county adviser Samantha Davies said: “Working dogs, including sheep dogs and retrieving breeds, are commonplace on farms and many farmers have more than one.”

Microchipping generally costs £15 to £40 when carried out by a vet, but a number of charities are offering to do this for free, or in return for a donation. It can also be carried out by someone who has been on an approved training course.

The keeper of any dog found not to have a microchip, or with incorrect details on the database, will have 21 days to comply with a legal notice before receiving a £500 fine. Beyond this, authorities will have the power to seize a dog and chip it at the owner’s expense.